10 must-listen new albums from serpentwithfeet, Hope Tala, and more

This week brings an impressive array of new music spanning diverse genres and artistic approaches. From Hope Tala’s long-awaited debut to Mdou Moctar’s acoustic reimaginings, serpentwithfeet’s nightlife explorations, Yves Jarvis’s solo craftsmanship, Aloe Blacc’s socially conscious return, Celia Wa’s Caribbean fusion, Boldy James and Chuck Strangers’ collaborative effort, Michi’s soulful debut, Hot 8 Brass Band’s New Orleans spirit, and Shygirl’s electronic continuations, February 28, 2025, offers something for every musical taste.

Hope Tala – Hope Handwritten

Hope Tala delivers her long-awaited debut album after four years of development. The British singer-songwriter blends R&B, Latin, neo-soul, and bossa nova influences across sixteen meticulously sequenced tracks. “Hope Handwritten” serves as a coming-of-age narrative, exploring the West Londoner’s experiences with independence, mental health, and relationships. Standout tracks include “Magic Or Medicine,” which addresses mental health struggles, and “I Can’t Even Cry,” which Tala considers the heart of the record, tracing “the trajectory of having hope, losing hope, and finding it again.”

Mdou Moctar – Tears of Injustice

Niger’s Mdou Moctar presents “Tears of Injustice,” a companion piece to his acclaimed “Funeral For Justice” album. While the previous release featured electric performances, this project offers the same material completely re-recorded with acoustic and traditional instruments. Recorded in Brooklyn’s Bunker Studio with remarkable spontaneity, the album was created after Moctar and band members were stranded in the U.S. following a military coup in Niger. The acoustic approach reveals the core of Moctar’s songwriting process while maintaining the emotional weight of his protest music addressing Niger’s struggles with poverty, colonial exploitation, and political instability.

serpentwithfeet – GRIP SEQUEL

Baltimore-born serpentwithfeet continues the artistic journey begun with “GRIP” in his new release “GRIP SEQUEL.” The project further explores themes of community, intimacy, and Black gay nightlife that have become central to the artist’s work. Building on his foundation in church music, serpentwithfeet has developed a distinctive alternative R&B sound that celebrates Black queer love and community. The album serves as both a standalone musical work and a companion to his dance theater production “Heart Of Brick,” which examines the loss of queer Black nightlife spaces.

Yves Jarvis – All Cylinders

Canadian experimental musician Yves Jarvis presents “All Cylinders,” featuring eleven tracks played entirely by the artist himself. The album represents a shift in Jarvis’s approach, moving from his previous “sculptural” compositions toward more traditional songcraft with defined verses, choruses, and hooks. Drawing inspiration from an unexpected year of listening almost exclusively to Frank Sinatra, Jarvis sought to achieve clarity and interpretative quality in these concise, self-contained tunes. The result blends folk, R&B, pop, and experimental elements into a distinctive collection that continues Jarvis’s artistic evolution.

Aloe Blacc – Stand Together

After a five-year hiatus from releasing original music, Grammy-nominated artist Aloe Blacc returns with “Stand Together.” The twelve-track collection blends soulful sounds with elements of R&B and pop, unified by messages of unity, empathy, and resilience. What distinguishes this project is its social consciousness—every song is paired with a philanthropic cause, reflecting Blacc’s commitment to using music as a catalyst for positive change. Standout tracks include “Don’t Go Alone,” produced by Oak Felder, and a reimagining of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” honoring the legacy of socially conscious music.

Celia Wa – Fasadé

Paris-born Guadeloupean artist Celia Wa debuts her full-length album “Fasadé,” showcasing her unique “Karibfutursound” approach. The nine-track project blends traditional Gwoka rhythms with soul, jazz, Amapiano, and electronic music. Created with collaborators including percussionist Roger Raspail and guitarist Ousmane Kouyaté, the album transcends Caribbean borders to incorporate influences from Senegal and Nigeria. Sung in both Creole and English, “Fasadé” represents Wa’s determination to express her identity through music that connects with cultural roots while embracing contemporary sounds.

Boldy James & Chuck Strangers – Token of Appreciation

Boldy James teams up with Chuck Strangers for “Token of Appreciation,” an eleven-track collaborative album originally recorded in 2022. The project returns to Boldy’s sonic roots with boom-bap production and sample flips, moving away from recent trap influences. Standout tracks include opener “B.O.B.,” which sets an atmospheric tone, and “Whale Fishing,” showcasing Strangers’ production abilities. Mixed and mastered by The Alchemist, this marks Boldy’s third full-length release in just two months, demonstrating his remarkable work ethic while highlighting the complementary styles of both artists.

Michi – Dirty Talk

Stones Throw Records signee Michi debuts with “Dirty Talk,” a ten-track album produced by Blake Rhein and Paul Cherry. The project blends retro-inspired sounds from soul, ’80s and ’90s R&B, and Motown with contemporary reflections on love and relationships. Written following what Michi describes as a “harrowing breakup,” the album balances expressions of post-relationship frustration with celebrations of self-confidence. Featuring collaborations with Gabriel da Rosa and Kiefer, “Dirty Talk” establishes Michi as a compelling new voice who draws from musical history while addressing modern challenges to authentic connection.

Hot 8 Brass Band – Big Tuba

New Orleans’ Hot 8 Brass Band returns with “Big Tuba,” their first new project since 2019. The ten-track album honors the traditional jazz heritage of their hometown while maintaining the band’s signature energetic style that incorporates elements of funk, R&B, and hip-hop. Named after spontaneous moments in New Orleans parades when musicians continue playing informally for the crowd, the album captures the spirit of improvisation central to the brass band tradition. Available in multiple formats including a special vinyl edition, the release coincides with the band’s “Big Tuba Tour” across the US, Europe, and the UK.

Shygirl – Club Shy Room 2

British electronic artist Shygirl continues her exploration of club-ready sounds with “Club Shy Room 2.” The six-track EP features collaborations with notable artists including Saweetie, Jorja Smith, and PinkPantheress across two sides of vinyl. Building on her 2024 “Club Shy” release, the project draws inspiration from European house music and early 2000s pop while maintaining Shygirl’s signature themes of desire and pleasure. This release forms part of a larger rollout that includes additional projects scheduled for later in 2025, further cementing Shygirl’s position as an innovative voice in electronic music.